Punctuation guide
Colons
A colon introduces something: a list, an example or an explanation of what came before. The words before a colon should make a complete sentence.
The rules
When it's taught at school: Year 5 and 6.
- 1
Before a list
- You will need three things: a pencil, a ruler and a rubber.
- 2
Before an explanation
What comes after explains or adds to what came before.
- We stayed inside: it was pouring with rain.
- 3
The part before the colon is a complete sentence
- Pack these items: a towel, sun cream and a hat.
Common mistakes
You need: a pen, paper and glue.
You need a pen, paper and glue.
'You need' isn't a complete sentence, so no colon. Or write: You need three things: a pen, paper and glue.
Practise a little every day
The daily spelling workout ends with a short punctuation round at your child's level, and brings back the marks they miss.